Design Audi R8 Spyder

Design Audi R8 Spyder

Among the many charms of the 2014 Audi R8 Spyder is its embrace of the exclamation mark. Press the button below the new seven-speed S tronic transmission’s gearshift lever, and the instrument panel proclaims, “Sport mode on!” Press it again, and the car responds with similar enthusiasm for “…off!” Appropriate sentiments, both of them, as in either mode the gearbox represents a significant upgrade for a car that was nearly perfect already.

The R8 coupe has been around for six years; the spyder, three. If this were a normal car, it might be time for an overhaul—but it’s not, and this isn’t. Audi is just dotting i’s and crossing t’s for 2014, with the S tronic dual-clutch automatic the most crucial change in spec. It supplants the old, balky six-speed R tronic automated manual and offers smoother, quicker shifts. It’s not faultless, however.

Engine Audi R8 Spyder

In 2012, Audi bumped the 4.2-liter V-8 to 430 horsepower, and that figure carries over for 2014. (There was no 2013 R8.) Torque output is 317 lb-ft, same as it ever was. The new transmission promises better performance over the old manumatic, with Audi claiming a 0.2-second improvement in 0-to-60-mph times. We did the deed in 4.0 seconds on our way to a 12.6-second quarter-mile at 111 mph. That’s as quick as the original R8 coupe, despite the heavier spyder’s registering 3916 pounds on our scales.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 254 cu in, 4163 cc

Power: 430 hp @ 7900 rpm

Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 104.3 in

Length: 174.8 in

Width: 75.0 in Height: 49.0 in

Curb weight: 3916 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.0 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 10.1 sec

Zero to 130 mph: 19.0 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.2 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.5 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.0 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 12.6 sec @ 111 mph

Top speed (drag limited): 168 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.96 g